Assessment of composition and calcination parameters in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis over Fe–Mn–Ce/γ-Al2O3 nanocatalyst

The effects of nanocatalyst composition and calcination parameters on the performance of the Fe–Mn–Ce ternary nanocatalysts supported on alumina granules in a laboratory fixed bed microreactor have been evaluated. Nanocatalysts were synthesized by incipient wetness impregnation under vacuum method (simultaneous impregnation of metal species). The samples used for hydrogenation of carbon monoxide via Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. The optimum nanocatalyst composition for production of light olefins (C=2 – C=4) from synthesis gas is 75 wt%Fe–20 wt%Mn–5 wt%Ce. The calcination parameters (temperature, time and atmosphere) were investigated and their effects on the structure and performance of the nanocatalysts were determined. The maximum ratio of olefins/(methane + paraffin) and the best activity and selectivity belonged to the nanocatalyst which was calcined in static air at 500 °C for 7 h. The nanocatalyst precursors and calcined samples (fresh and used) were characterized by XRD, N2 physisorption, FE‒SEM, EDAX, MAP, TG, DSC, and H2–TPR. The present study results confirm that the structural, morphological and physic-chemical properties of the nanocatalyst have been impressed with metal species and calcination parameters.